POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
Rodrigue Tetainanuarii
Australia - New Caledonia 62:44
Australia clinched the Oceania Championship title. They held off surprising New Caledonia in the title decider today. Joshua Wilcher knocked down 14 points and grabbed 5 boards to lead balanced offensive effort for the Aussies. New Caledonia made it a big achievement claiming the second overall spot at the tournament.
Australia marked their ambitions in the opening frame. They outscored New Caledonia 19:7 to enter the second frame with a comfortable cushion. However New Caledonia were not intimidated as they gradually turned aggressive and physical defensively. It paid off as they held Australia to only 6 points in the second quarter. The margin was trimmed to just 3 points at the interval. Australia began the third frame more accurate and played it safe. They committed just two turnovers in the third stanza regaining full control. Australia built a 13-point buffer into the fourth period. New Caledonia found no answer and had to surrender at the end.
Jan Warbout delivered 11 points for Australia. Reece Maxwell had 9 points in the winning case. Rodrigue Tetainanuarii (203-F-82) posted 8 points and 5 boards for New Caledonia. Laurent Berniere (-G) and Yann Mathelon (185-G-85) finished with 7 points each in defeat.
Australia: Joshua Wilcher 14, Jan Warbout 11, Reece Maxwell 9
New Caledonia: Rodrigue Tetainanuarii 8, Laurent Berniere 7, Yann Mathelon 7
